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If you have a fur coat, it is important to care for it properly. This will ensure that it stays in good shape and that it lasts a long time. If your coat begins to shed, you need to adjust how you care for it in order to stop the shedding. This care includes protecting the coat while you are wearing it and being mindful about how you store it. If you are careful with your fur coat when your are wearing it and when you are not, it will minimize the coat's shedding and help its longevity.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Minimizing Shedding

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  1. Don't wear your fur coat if you think it is going to rain or snow excessively. Getting a lot of water on your fur coat can damage it and can lead to shedding.
    • You cannot always avoid getting a little rain or snow on your fur coat. However, if you are outside and it begins to rain or snow, take shelter. It's important to minimize how much water gets on the coat if at all possible.
  2. If you do get water on your fur coat, don't try to use heat to dry it. This can damage your coat severely and cause even more shedding.[1]
    • Instead, shake the water off and let the coat air dry in a room with good ventilation.
    • You can also take your coat to a furrier to have the water damage dealt with.
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  3. Friction can cause a lot of damage to a fur coat. If you are wearing it, try to avoid having a purse or other item rubbing up against it repeatedly.
  4. The hairs on a fur coat can be damaged very easily by harsh chemicals, such as hair spray. If you are wearing your coat and you need to refresh your perfume or hair spray, take the coat off first. This will protect the hairs from getting dried out or from becoming brittle.
  5. If your coat is shedding that means that it needs some care. Take it to a furrier, tell them what it going on, and ask them to condition your coat.
    • Only take the coat to an experienced furrier. They will have the knowledge and experience to care for your coat properly.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Storing Your Coat Properly

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  1. Do not store the coat in a plastic bag or other air-tight container, as furs require air circulation. If you put one in a plastic bag, it will not be able to breathe and this can cause the fur to begin shedding.[3] [4]
  2. Direct sunlight can dry out a fur coat and cause it to begin shedding. To avoid this, store the coat in a cool, dark place where it is not exposed to light or heat.[6]
    • This does not mean that you can't wear your coat out in the sunlight ever. It simply means that long-term exposure to lots and lots of light can damage a fur.
  3. In order to keep the shoulders of your fur coat in good condition, you should only hang it on a wide sturdy hanger. Thinner hangers, such as wire hangers, will compress the top of the shoulders, creating a crease and increasing the likelihood of shedding in that area.[7]
    • A fur coat, especially a long one, can be quite heavy. This weight needs to be dispersed on a wide strong hanger. If you put it on a narrow, flimsy hanger, it will put too much weight on the shoulders of the coat.
  4. Furriers are professionals that know how to care for and store furs properly. Not only can they clean your fur, they can properly store them during the warm months when you will not be wearing your fur.[8]
    • Furriers store furs in climate controlled conditions that are prefect for keeping your coat in good condition.
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References

  1. https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
  2. Seleh Rahman. Professional Tailor & Furrier. Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
  3. https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
  4. Seleh Rahman. Professional Tailor & Furrier. Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
  5. Seleh Rahman. Professional Tailor & Furrier. Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
  6. https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
  7. https://www.fur.org/caring-for-your-fur/
  8. http://aspenfashions.com/blog/prevent-fur-coat-shedding/

About This Article

Seleh Rahman
Co-authored by:
Professional Tailor & Furrier
This article was co-authored by Seleh Rahman. Seleh Rahman is a Tailor, Furrier, and the Owner of Seleh de Federal Hill in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 45 years of experience, Seleh specializes in fur, alterations, and fashion illustration. Seleh studied Fashion Design and Tailoring at Bay College of Maryland. He holds certifications in fur, design, and tailoring. This article has been viewed 105,204 times.
5 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: November 20, 2023
Views: 105,204
Categories: Coats
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 105,204 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Laura Havlick

    Laura Havlick

    Nov 20, 2022

    "I learned important tips on caring for my black seal fur coat or what's left of it as I cut it up awhile back..." more
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